Adult Adoption In Delaware

Most (if not all) people are familiar with the concept of adoption as it pertains to children and infants. But what many are unaware of is that Delaware law provides for the adoption of a person 18 years of age or over – an adult adoption. Just as will a child adoption, an adoption for an adult stipulates on the decree:

“all the duties, rights, privileges and obligations recognized by law between parent and child shall exist between the [adoptive parent(s)] and the person or persons adopted, as fully and to all intents and purposes as if such person or persons were the lawful and natural offspring or issue of the petitioner or petitioners.”  13 Del. C. §954. 

There may be a few situations where an adult adoption would be appropriate, and the recognition of that parent/child relationship may also provide assistance in estate planning.

See Leslie Spoltore, Adult Adoption in Delaware, Ober Mayer Family Matters, October 11, 2018.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.) for bringing this article to my attention.